Antique Burmese String Marionette

This is a beautifully crafted antique Southeast Asian string marionette puppet, most likely originating from Burma (today’s Myanmar) and belonging to the traditional Yoke Thé style of puppetry. It is a handmade wooden and fabric puppet, richly dressed in embroidered and sequined garments of vibrant colors – burgundy, turquoise, gold, and lilac. The face is hand-painted with expressive features, red lips, and a stylized mustache, typical for Burmese character figures.

The puppet measures approximately 70 cm in length and is constructed from carved and painted wood for the head, hands, and feet, while the body and costume are made of layered textiles. The strings are attached to the head and limbs, and the overall construction suggests it was once a functioning theatre puppet used in traditional performances. These marionettes were part of an elaborate theatrical art form in Burma, performed since the 18th century for royal courts and public audiences. A full Yoke Thé troupe could include 20–30 puppets, each representing specific characters—kings, princes, ministers, spirits, and animals.

This particular piece likely dates from the early to mid-20th century. The craftsmanship, paint, and materials are consistent with older handmade Burmese marionettes made before the large tourist trade reproductions of the late 20th century. It shows visible signs of age—cracks, worn paint, frayed textiles, and replaced or tangled strings—but retains a strong character and decorative appeal.

Historically, Yoke Thé marionettes were carved from light local wood such as yamanay (Gmelina arborea), chosen for its fine grain and resistance to insects. Artisans painted the heads by hand and dressed each figure in a costume suited to its role, using richly colored silk, cotton, and metallic thread embroidery. The puppeteer operated it by an intricate network of strings attached to a wooden control bar, animating lifelike gestures in performances accompanied by music and narration.

This marionette is an authentic vintage example of Southeast Asian theatre art. It would make a striking decorative display piece, an addition to a puppetry or ethnographic collection, or a cultural conversation piece for the home.

Condition-wise, it shows natural wear from age and handling: paint loss, fabric fading, and small repairs. Some strings may be missing or shortened, and the internal structure may have been reinforced in places. It should be considered primarily a collectible or decorative item rather than a functioning stage puppet.

It measures about 70 cm long and can be hung from its strings or displayed seated.

This is a rare and charming survivor of traditional Southeast Asian puppet theatre, combining cultural history, vivid craftsmanship, and an unmistakable personality.

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